Hui Jin

614b94cccfecf62e898f3c1a9e1ce4fc82f219abdb04ab0d73f2240175de6682

Social

students

tourism

international

Anwar Ibrahim

studying

Saifuddin Nasution

visa exemption

thirty days

Liberalisation

plan

grads

When embarking on international educational pursuits, prospective students are typically bound by the necessity of acquiring student visas to facilitate their studies in their chosen foreign destination. However, in a positive turn of events, individuals aspiring to study abroad for enriching experiences are now greeted with encouraging news.
In a recent announcement by Malaysia's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, a groundbreaking initiative has been introduced. Malaysia is set to offer a long-term social visit pass to students hailing from 23 low-risk nations, a list that notably includes neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Brunei.
Commencing on December 1 of this year, this innovative policy will grant international students a one-year stay in Malaysia after graduation. Beyond the confines of academia, this extended stay opens up avenues for further studies, leisurely travel, and engagement in part-time employment within sectors sanctioned by the country's laws. Among the nations benefiting from this policy are Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and the United States.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3a13ec3d23e2e229f128419245423f8d7e7a48ebe93a7dddb58966e115a97e99" />
Home Minister Saifuddin, in his statement yesterday, highlighted this initiative as one of the five key components of Malaysia's new Visa Liberalisation Plan, set in motion to bolster the country's revenue. Having said that, tourism is deemed a pivotal catalyst for economic growth, and is anticipated to thrive under these progressive measures.
In a noteworthy development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a significant initiative in his statement yesterday&mdash;an impactful policy offering a 30-day visa-free entry to nationals from both China and India travelling to Malaysia. Set to take effect from December 1, 2023, this visionary approach is poised to enhance diplomatic relations, promote cultural exchange, and solidify Malaysia's standing as a welcoming destination for international students and visitors.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5ae4587873ad7dc0d1e9c870c0401dbd6091b9e0f5271547eacb82734b58a9ae" />
Saifuddin detailed that the 30-day visa exemption for Chinese and Indian nationals is scheduled to run from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
Turning our attention to the two initiatives encapsulated within the Visa Liberalisation Plan, he outlined the issuance of a 30-day Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) for tourists desiring entry into Malaysia. Simultaneously, a 7-day Umrah transit visit visa will be facilitated through agencies registered under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, specifically designated for handling Umrah or Muslim pilgrimages, as said by Saifuddin.
Notably, the implementation of the visa liberalization plan is slated for review after one year. This comprehensive assessment aims to gauge the return on investment (ROI) to the country, evaluate the initiative's efficacy, and scrutinize the security landscape surrounding the immigration facilities provided.
He further emphasized that in the event of unforeseen incidents, a meticulous review of the visa plan would be conducted to implement enhancements. These preparations are strategically aimed at fortifying immigration policies and procedures in anticipation of the years 2025 and 2026. This proactive approach underscores the government's commitment to refining its systems and ensuring the preparedness of immigration teams at the nation's entry points to seamlessly accommodate foreign tourists in the forthcoming two years.
In his Budget 2024 address last month, Finance Minister Anwar, who also serves as the Prime Minister, unveiled ambitious plans for 2026, declaring it as Visit Malaysia Year. The nation aims to welcome 26.1 million foreign tourists, anticipating substantial domestic spending of RM97.6 billion. Anwar announced a dedicated allocation of RM350 million to invigorate tourism, with a particular focus on orchestrating the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ec50e158c1ea903cce3e6074b8303c7e2e5a9e136e1607ebee6cbd56c94110dc" />
Within the Budget 2024 speech, Anwar outlined the forthcoming initiatives under the visa liberalization plan. These initiatives include the introduction of a long-term social visit pass tailored for international students who have graduated, aimed at meeting the skilled personnel needs of various industries. Additionally, plans were revealed to enhance visa-on-arrival facilities, social visit passes, and multiple entry visa offers, with a strategic emphasis on facilitating the entry of tourists and investors, especially from India and China.
Tourism Malaysia's historical data indicates robust tourist arrivals exceeding 25 million annually from 2012 to 2019, with 2014 marking a peak at 27.44 million. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted these figures, resulting in a sharp decline to 4.33 million tourists in 2020, followed by 0.13 million in 2021 and a gradual recovery to 10.07 million in 2022.
Examining the breakdown of the top 10 countries contributing to the 26.1 million tourist arrivals in Malaysia in 2019, Singapore led the way with 10.16 million visitors, followed by Indonesia (3.6 million), China (3.1 million), Thailand (1.8 million), Brunei (1.2 million), India (735,309), South Korea (673,065), Japan (424,694), Philippines (421,908), and Vietnam (400,346).
Delving into the economic impact, in 2019, Malaysia recorded RM86.1 billion in tourist receipts, with Singapore emerging as the leading contributor from a single country at RM20.547 billion. China's tourists followed closely, contributing RM15.3 billion, and India accounted for RM3.6 billion.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7f52498d4eee20f9fd9f5b19f80b75a7d481e015ba636efbbf9fa478c7a83d32" />
Among the 23 nations included in the list for the one-year pass offered to their citizens completing studies in Malaysia, notable contributions to Malaysia's tourism receipts in 2019 came from South Korea (RM3.3 billion), Brunei (RM2.8 billion), and Japan (RM2.275 billion). Other countries on the list also made substantial contributions, with the United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, France, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Sweden, the UAE, Switzerland, Denmark, Kuwait, Norway, and Finland all showcasing significant tourist spending in Malaysia.
While specific figures for Qatar and Bahrain were not individually provided, their tourists&rsquo; spending was likely included in regional figures. These comprehensive statistics underscore Malaysia's commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector and fostering international partnerships for sustained economic growth.
In the end, it is a good opportunity for international students to have travelling and studying exposure which can broaden their horizons and experiences as well as get to know the culture of Malaysia better during their stay in Malaysia. 
What are your thoughts on this? Comment below, alternatively, follow us for more!
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, Malay Mail &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A golden opportunity is given for international grads who study in Malaysia. 

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Malaysia Opens Their Doors To International Grads Enjoy One-Year Study, Travel, And Work Adventure!

British pop sensation Henry Moodie is set to return to Malaysia this July, this time for his first-ever solo headline concert in the country. Following a string of successful performances in Kuala Lumpur last year and earlier this February, the rising star will launch his much-anticipated &ldquo;Henry Moodie 2025 Asia Tour&rdquo; with an electrifying show at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on 16 July 2025 (Wednesday).
Adding star power to the event, Bradley Simpson, frontman of the chart-topping British band The Vamps, will make a special guest appearance during the concert.
From Viral Stardom to Asia Tour Headliner
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/df04642f5203a1494e3e7923b600876100d3a8281084ed7131b10ad71a1d983c" />
At just 21, Henry Moodie has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the UK pop scene, captivating global audiences with his emotionally raw songwriting and heartfelt performances. Born in Guildford in 2004, Moodie began writing songs at the age of 11 and later trained at BIMM music school, honing his skills before launching his solo career. His breakout came in 2022 with &ldquo;You Were There For Me,&rdquo; a self-produced track written in his childhood bedroom that went viral on TikTok and garnered over 90 million streams on Spotify.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OqEc_169ywY" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
His true rise to global prominence came with the 2023 single &ldquo;Drunk Text,&rdquo; a runaway viral hit that amassed over 600 million streams and secured him a spot among the Top 10 most viewed UK artists on TikTok in both 2022 and 2024. Fan favourites like &ldquo;Beat Up Car,&rdquo; &ldquo;Pick Up The Phone,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Eighteen&rdquo; further cemented his place as a rising star known for weaving themes of mental health, heartbreak, and youthful vulnerability into polished pop hooks.
Moodie&rsquo;s 2024 world tour saw sold-out shows across the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia, reflecting his growing international fanbase. With two EPs under his belt&mdash;In All of My Lonely Nights and Good Old Days&mdash;and his debut album set to drop later this year under Sony Music&rsquo;s Columbia Records and Robots &amp; Humans, Henry Moodie&rsquo;s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Backed by over 600 million global streams, award nods, and viral moments, he&rsquo;s poised to become a defining voice of his generation.
First Solo Concert in Malaysia
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/21a9fff6fb11f0193125f59a0eb931f5748e90fb57864974a2af389d6f48fac6" />
While this marks Moodie&rsquo;s first solo ticketed show in Malaysia, he&rsquo;s no stranger to the local scene. Malaysian fans had the opportunity to catch him live during a free showcase at The Exchange TRX in May 2024 and at the Maybelline Sunkisser event in February 2025. Both appearances highlighted the singer&rsquo;s growing popularity in the region.
Now, with a full concert experience on offer, fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with heartfelt lyrics, catchy hooks, and Moodie&rsquo;s signature charisma.
Ticketing Details and Pre-Sale Dates
Organised by Live Nation Malaysia, tickets for the KL concert will be released in phases, with exclusive pre-sales available before the general public sale. Here's what you need to know:
🎤 Henry Moodie 2025 Live in Kuala Lumpur &bull; Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 &bull; Time: 8:00 PM &bull; Venue: Zepp Kuala Lumpur &bull; Organiser: Live Nation Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5676686936394bbb51211e2bd4025b6c992710eaf874fe3f776eaf053a4b99b5" />
💳 Ticket Categories: &bull; CAT 1 (Seated): RM328 &bull; CAT 2 (Standing): RM268 &bull; Meet &amp; Greet VIP Package: RM538 &bull; VIP BOX (8 Pax): RM2,888 
🗓️ Pre-sale &amp; General Sale Dates: &bull; Mastercard Pre-sale: 13 May (Tue) at 11 AM &ndash; 14 May (Wed) at 11 AM via <a href="http://www.priceless.com/music">www.priceless.com/music</a> &bull; Live Nation Member Pre-sale: 14 May (Wed), 12 PM &ndash; 11:59 PM via <a href="http://www.livenation.my">www.livenation.my</a> &bull; General Sale: Starts 15 May (Thu) at 11 AM via <a href="http://www.golive-asia.com">www.golive-asia.com</a>
For more details and updates, fans are encouraged to follow Live Nation Malaysia and GoLive Asia through their official platforms.
Asia Tour Continues Beyond KL
Kuala Lumpur serves as just the beginning of Henry Moodie&rsquo;s 2025 Asia Tour. Following his Malaysian debut, the singer will head to several other cities, including:
<ul>
<li> Bangkok &ndash; 18 July &bull; Seoul &ndash; 23 July &bull; Taipei &ndash; 25 July &bull; Hong Kong &ndash; 28 July &bull; Tokyo &ndash; 30 July</li>
</ul>
With excitement building and tickets expected to sell fast, Malaysian fans have a unique opportunity to witness Henry Moodie&rsquo;s rise firsthand&mdash;and be among the first in Asia to experience his headline tour live.
Catch Up With His Music
&nbsp;<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/34r4lkt0hO0sbLI17vb0Os?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
In case you missed it, Henry Moodie dropped his latest single &ldquo;Indigo&rdquo; back in March, a heartfelt track that explores the intensity of love through the symbolic lens of the colour indigo&mdash;often associated with intimacy, longing, and emotional depth. In the song, Henry lays bare his yearning for someone deeply significant, describing the overwhelming nature of that emotion as almost &ldquo;evil&rdquo; due to the way it traps him in a cycle of memories and aching desire. At its core, Indigo captures the bittersweet paradox of love&mdash;the joy it brings, and the sorrow that comes with missing someone who once felt like everything.
As for his highly anticipated debut album, fans will have to be patient a little longer. In the meantime, you can stream his other releases below:
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/7hr9W3IjXcm3UlLY7guLk5?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
Are you looking forward to his solo concert because we certainly are! Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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He’ll be joined by Bradley Simpson of The Vamps too!

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Henry Moodie To Kick Off First Asia Headline Tour In Kuala Lumpur This July

Bolt, one of Europe&rsquo;s leading mobility platforms, has introduced a notable upgrade to its ride-hailing service in Malaysia by fully integrating toll fares into the ride fare shown before booking. The company now stands as the first e-hailing provider in the country to roll out this feature, offering passengers and drivers a more seamless, transparent experience.
This enhancement, while seemingly minor from a technical standpoint, addresses a major operational pain point that has long affected the local ride-hailing industry: how tolls are handled. Until now, toll charges were typically calculated separately and often settled manually between drivers and passengers after the trip&mdash;leading to pricing disputes, delayed reimbursements, and general confusion on both ends.
With this update, the full fare&mdash;including any tolls incurred along the route&mdash;is calculated and shown upfront in the app, allowing passengers to see the total cost before confirming their ride.
Understanding Malaysia&rsquo;s Toll Landscape
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5d61d2fbb2c3f129970c78e6b22cf80910fd0c88fb2545e716f076ad6cdc39be" />
Malaysia&rsquo;s road system includes nearly 200 toll booths operating under three different systems: open, closed, and hybrid. As a result, determining the correct toll charge for any given route can be complicated, particularly in dense urban areas such as the Klang Valley, where expressways and toll roads are an everyday part of commuting.
Bolt says approximately 30% of its rides in Malaysia currently pass through at least one toll. This makes the toll integration feature highly relevant for a large portion of its user base, both in terms of accuracy and convenience.
Afzan Lutfi, General Manager of Bolt Malaysia, said in a statement: &ldquo;Integrating toll fares directly into our ride calculations reflects our understanding of everyday driving challenges in Malaysia. We know that tolls are an essential part of the driving experience here, and by automating the process, we eliminate unnecessary guesswork for both partner drivers and passengers.&rdquo;
Improved Transparency for Passengers
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d10f80dd1ace28208695dd87fe6e16e2fa8c3e2684a7a8c1296646fd36ec8a98" />
With this move, Bolt is addressing one of the most common sources of frustration among ride-hailing passengers&mdash;hidden or unexpected costs. By displaying the final fare (inclusive of tolls) before the ride begins, Bolt offers a &ldquo;what you see is what you pay&rdquo; model that enhances customer trust and reduces the chances of disputes.
It also eliminates the need for passengers to carry extra cash or manually reimburse drivers at the end of a ride, something that had become particularly inconvenient during cashless transactions or high-traffic hours.
Although other e-hailing platforms, such as Grab, have teased similar initiatives in neighbouring countries like Singapore, none have yet introduced this feature locally in Malaysia&mdash;making Bolt&rsquo;s implementation a first in the market.
Operational Efficiency for Drivers
The integration is equally beneficial to partner drivers, who no longer need to manually track, calculate, or input toll charges post-trip. This change removes a layer of administrative work, particularly during busy hours, and ensures that drivers are properly compensated for every toll incurred during the journey.
Rahimah Ismail, a Bolt driver based in the Klang Valley, shared her experience: &ldquo;Before this, tracking tolls during peak periods was tricky. Now, everything is upfront&mdash;it saves time and avoids misunderstandings with passengers.&rdquo;
Bolt claims that this update is part of its broader mission to support driver earnings and improve efficiency. The platform is also working on further enhancements, including refined pickup distance management and more streamlined access to driver earnings. These updates, unveiled during Bolt&rsquo;s recent Raya Open House and driver engagement session, are based on direct feedback from the company&rsquo;s partner community.
A Tailored Approach to the Malaysian Market
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7de203c9083ced6f2ed4dd340d147a07b19549a758a175dd28fbcd354ac22c73" />
By focusing on small but meaningful local adaptations, Bolt is positioning itself as a platform that understands the nuances of driving and commuting in Malaysia. Toll roads are an inescapable reality for many Malaysians, and addressing this challenge with a practical tech solution shows the company&rsquo;s commitment to localising its service.
In contrast to a one-size-fits-all approach, Bolt&rsquo;s strategy reflects a growing awareness among international tech platforms: to succeed in Malaysia, understanding and adapting to on-the-ground realities is key.
As Afzan noted, &ldquo;At Bolt, we believe that greater transparency leads to better experiences, and this feature is part of our wider commitment to making urban mobility more reliable, fair, and convenient for everyone. We look forward to rolling out more locally relevant innovations in the months ahead.&rdquo;
Redefining Ride-Hailing in Malaysia
Bolt&rsquo;s toll integration may appear to be a simple feature on paper, but in practice, it significantly improves the overall e-hailing experience. By reducing disputes, simplifying operations, and improving cost clarity, Bolt is redefining what passengers and drivers can expect from a ride-hailing platform.
With continuous updates and a strong focus on user and driver feedback, Bolt is not only competing with more established players like Grab&mdash;it is also setting new standards for how ride-hailing should work in Malaysia.
This update is part of a broader trend towards building smarter, more efficient urban mobility systems&mdash;where both drivers and riders benefit from less friction, more reliability, and fairer earnings and fares.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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bef1bee1c23668051643c9838c1c20b9e3ced08deb122b18b2d916b2cbaed87b

Bolt Becomes First E-Hailing Platform In Malaysia To Include Toll Charges In Upfront Ride Fares

Shopee sellers are bracing for yet another increase in operational costs as the e-commerce platform confirmed a hike in its SPayLater seller fee. The change, set to take effect on 8 May 2025, will see the fee rise from 3.5% to 4.5% for all completed orders involving the SPayLater payment option.
The update was announced through Shopee&rsquo;s official Seller Education Hub, continuing a trend of rising charges for merchants using the platform.
What Is SPayLater? 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a62796e4303ff33bf724897f79a3f39b982bad43119b1080a6710fedfa3de146" />
SPayLater is Shopee&rsquo;s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, designed to give buyers flexibility in managing their purchases. The feature enables customers to split their payments over installment plans ranging from one to 24 months. Instalments up to three months typically carry no extra fees for buyers, but longer tenures can incur charges of up to 36%, depending on the duration.
However, while buyers may choose whether or not to use SPayLater, sellers are automatically enrolled in the programme with no option to opt out. This means they must absorb the associated transaction fee regardless of whether they benefit directly from the instalment feature.
Why Are Sellers Frustrated?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e816e805f983200358e1b1830eb38cfdc3be9218e22e47533de142280683cf1c" />
The fee hike has been met with widespread frustration among Shopee merchants, many of whom took to online seller communities to express their discontent. One recurring point of criticism is the lack of transparency&mdash;Shopee has not provided any formal explanation for the increase.
Many sellers are questioning why they are being penalised when it is ultimately the buyer&rsquo;s decision to use the SPayLater facility. The platform&rsquo;s insistence on making SPayLater mandatory for eligible sellers has only fuelled further resentment.
A number of sellers have even suggested raising their prices to cushion the impact of the new fee, potentially making Shopee less competitive for buyers as a result.
Sellers Speak Out: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s Getting Too Much&rdquo;
Among those voicing concern is Loh, a power tool seller who requested partial anonymity. Speaking to local media, Loh said that the compounding cost of selling on Shopee&mdash;including this new SPayLater fee&mdash;is driving him to reconsider the platform entirely.
&ldquo;My business has to contend with more and more extra fees, and I&rsquo;d need to hire someone just to operate and manage the sales channel,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s pushed my business away from focusing too much effort towards selling on Shopee.&rdquo;
A Pattern of Increasing Charges
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5268806b0bc67a485230899cca302a30408a47ee615a61836d3eb4fcd5c7d8bc" />
This latest update follows a previous hike in August 2024, when Shopee increased its general Transaction Fee for sellers from 2% to 3.5%&mdash;a move that excluded SPayLater and credit card payments at the time. That change, too, received criticism from small business owners struggling to maintain margins on the platform.
It&rsquo;s also worth noting that the new 4.5% SPayLater fee is subject to Malaysia&rsquo;s 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST), effectively making the total cost to sellers even higher.
Shopee&rsquo;s Justification &mdash; and What&rsquo;s Missing
While Shopee has highlighted that SPayLater can increase a seller&rsquo;s gross merchandise value by offering flexible payments to buyers, it has not justified the fee hike directly or provided any context for the additional cost burden. The omission has left many sellers feeling alienated, especially as BNPL platforms typically share costs across both buyers and sellers in a more transparent manner.
What&rsquo;s Next for Shopee Sellers?
As sellers scramble to adjust to the updated fee structure, questions remain about Shopee&rsquo;s long-term strategy and its impact on small and medium-sized businesses. If costs continue to rise without improved support or clearer communication, more sellers like Loh may look to alternative platforms or offline sales.
For now, the 4.5% fee for SPayLater orders will go into effect from 8 May 2025, and sellers will have no choice but to comply &mdash; or reconsider their future on the platform.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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To offset the higher fee, some sellers may begin raising their product prices.

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Shopee Hikes SPayLater Seller Fee To 4.5% From 8 May

Beloved modern retro band MASDO has officially marked a decade in Malaysia&rsquo;s music scene with an unforgettable fan event and the exciting announcement of a full-scale anniversary concert this coming August. Known for their infectious throwback sound and strong fanbase, the trio celebrated the milestone in true MASDO fashion&mdash;complete with mystery, music, and meaningful moments.
Who Are MASDO?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e538077f77e8c082276bd4428214797733e1621ac04a10d25713438864318adc" />
&nbsp;MASDO is a Malaysian pop rock band known for their modern take on 1960s "pop yeh yeh" music, blending retro styles with contemporary flair. Formed in 2015, the band comprises Ali Sariah (vocals/guitar), Putu Ceri (bass/backing vocals), and Asmawi (guitar/backing vocals). Their name, inspired by the character "Do" from the classic P. Ramlee film Do Re Mi, reflects their homage to Malaysia's musical heritage.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ft8oLwsoIN0" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
MASDO gained widespread recognition with their debut single "Bunga" in 2016, followed by hits like "Dinda," "Janji Manis," and "Pujaanku" featuring Aisyah Aziz. Their song "Dinda" achieved viral status on TikTok in Indonesia, leading to over 60 million streams on Spotify by January 2025. The track also reached the finals of Anugerah Juara Lagu 34 in 2020.
The band's discography includes the albums Selamat Tinggal Pujaan (2017) and Jalan Abbey (2020), the latter recorded at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios. In 2024, they released the single "Perih Jerih" and embarked on a tour across Indonesia, performing in cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
In recognition of their growing influence, MASDO was nominated for Best Asia Act at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, marking a significant milestone in their international presence.
With their distinctive style and commitment to reviving classic Malaysian pop, MASDO continues to captivate audiences both locally and abroad.
A Night to Remember at Saloma KL
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b955a4d9b2b8ca5a8ba8b37d6992d378f5d5ae70fb658bf08604c96f5da73ff2" />
On 30 April 2025, over 200 devoted fans and media guests gathered at Saloma Bistro in Kuala Lumpur for a special event titled Perjumpaan Ahli Mesyuarat Tingkap. MASDO had spent days teasing the event on Instagram through cryptic posts, prompting widespread speculation online. When the night arrived, it turned out to be more than just a gathering&mdash;it was a heartfelt celebration of their journey and an intimate thank-you to fans.
In appreciation of the fans who have supported them through thick and thin, MASDO performed a live mini showcase featuring some of their most beloved hits. Songs such as Dinda, Lautan Asmara, Janji Manis, Bunga, and Berchanda di Malam Indah echoed through the venue, with fans singing along and soaking in the retro vibes that have become the band&rsquo;s trademark.
The performance was not just entertainment&mdash;it was a walk down memory lane, and a prelude to something much bigger.
&lsquo;Al-Kisah Masdo Sepuloh Tahun&rsquo;: The Concert Announcement 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d985497ed017dab5df98e46115af20fec0f93716e4c6e2fc8ac772c2b88adc05" />
The climax of the evening came when MASDO dramatically unveiled the poster for their 10th-anniversary concert. In a symbolic reveal, a cloth draped over the MATIC building was pulled down, exposing the details of Al-Kisah Masdo Sepuloh Tahun&mdash;a grand concert scheduled for 30 August 2025.
This milestone show will be held at Idea Live Arena KL @ 3 Damansara, a brand-new venue with a 7,000-capacity. MASDO will be the first act to perform there, promising fans a high-energy yet intimate experience steeped in nostalgia and celebration.
Ticketing and Pre-Registration Details
Fans eager to be part of this momentous occasion can pre-register for early bird Rockzone tickets priced at RM128 between 30 April and 1 May. Once public sales begin, tickets will be available at RM148 for Rockzone (free standing) and RM198 for Category 1 (seated).
A New Album in the Works
Speaking to the media after the event, band members Ali Sariah, Asmawi, and Putu Ceri expressed their heartfelt gratitude to fans. &ldquo;For them to turn up here itself is a fantastic gift for all of us,&rdquo; said Ali. Reflecting on the journey, he added, &ldquo;It has been an exciting ride. The last 10 years were full of ups and downs, but breaking into the Indonesian market was a major achievement.&rdquo;
The trio also revealed they have been hard at work on a brand-new album to coincide with their 10th anniversary. &ldquo;We want this album to be special,&rdquo; they shared. &ldquo;And we hope those who have been with us from the beginning will also join us at the concert&mdash;it&rsquo;s a gift for them too.&rdquo;
You can stream their music below:
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/2r1WoyhX1FSc7AmcF8rkoO?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
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&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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MASDO To Mark A Decade With “Al-Kisah Masdo Sepuloh Tahun” Concert!

The federal government is actively exploring the possibility of broadening the scope of its FLYSiswa initiative to include land transport subsidies for students in Peninsular Malaysia. This potential expansion of the programme&mdash;currently limited to subsidised air travel&mdash;was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a dialogue session at the Management and Science University (MSU) in Shah Alam on Monday.
Calls to Extend FLYSiswa Beyond Air Travel
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d81bea9b68f60e671282fdc87aea7736db677d2d4a80a913b01167a8b4498c9c" />
The proposal came in response to a question from a student participant, who suggested that the government extend the FLYSiswa initiative to land-based transport such as buses and trains. The student noted that many students in the peninsula still struggle with travel costs when returning home, particularly those attending universities far from their hometowns.
Anwar acknowledged the concern and said the idea warranted serious consideration. He confirmed that discussions would soon be held with Transport Minister Anthony Loke to evaluate how the scheme could be adapted to better serve students throughout the country&mdash;not just those travelling between East and West Malaysia.
"As for FLYSiswa in the peninsula, I&rsquo;ll discuss it with the Transport Minister,&rdquo; Anwar said. &ldquo;Perhaps for certain areas or specific locations, we can look into implementing it. The needs of students in the peninsula are just as important and deserve to be reviewed.&rdquo;
What is FLYSiswa?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7b926fa80d674293c5e3d5cc5455736884d622380625523f8188030e3ec5a745" />
The FLYSiswa programme is an annual government initiative introduced under the Ministry of Transport. It provides subsidies for flight tickets for students at public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges under the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as students in matriculation centres and teacher training institutes under the Ministry of Education.
Its core aim is to ease the financial burden of students travelling long distances for academic purposes, especially those commuting between Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The scheme has proven particularly vital during festive periods, when airfares can surge dramatically due to high demand.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4048/flysiswa-2025-how-to-apply-for-the-public-university-travel-subsidy">FLYsiswa 2025: How To Apply For The Public University Travel Subsidy</a>
High Airfares During Festive Seasons Prompt Government Action
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed489deaa1b776141067ae9e3eda26299c076509630e9c8e69d98a85e71c1612" />
Anwar noted that the primary reason East Malaysian students were prioritised in the current FLYSiswa rollout is due to the consistently high price of domestic flights to and from the Bornean states. He said airfares tend to rise sharply around Hari Raya, Christmas, and other festive periods, placing immense financial pressure on families and students.
"We need to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no price exploitation," the Prime Minister stressed. &ldquo;If a ticket usually costs RM20 and suddenly doubles during a festive season, that&rsquo;s unacceptable. The government is duty-bound to intervene and create mechanisms to prevent such unreasonable hikes.&rdquo;
He added that while airline fare regulation falls under the purview of market forces, there must be a balance to prevent profit-maximising practices from disadvantaging those who can least afford them.
Inclusion of Land Transport Would Mark Major Shift 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/df38df80ddbebf3a77316de31f48966ec02547a0cee8784814d79728329df7b0" />
If implemented, the expansion of FLYSiswa to include land transport in Peninsular Malaysia would be a significant shift in policy. It could potentially cover bus and train travel for students who face long or costly commutes between their hometowns and university campuses, especially in rural or underserved areas.
While the Prime Minister did not confirm the exact modalities or timeline for such an expansion, he reiterated the government&rsquo;s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education-related support for all students, regardless of geography.
Revamping the Perdana Fellow Programme for Greater Youth Access
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2784947d97aafb7ec15848de0099b4c32654cd233a35ef0e944757264a7a6b06" />
In a related announcement, Anwar also revealed plans to expand and improve the Perdana Fellow Programme. The initiative, established in 2013, was designed to expose young Malaysians to the inner workings of government through direct mentorship under ministers and senior officials.
According to the Prime Minister, the Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia is spearheading a review of the programme to allow more young people to participate, including those who may not qualify for the current highly selective intake.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re in discussions to enhance the programme, and not everyone needs to be an official fellow to benefit,&rdquo; Anwar explained. &ldquo;We want to provide opportunities for more young Malaysians to interact with national scholars, senior leaders, and policymakers in structured, meaningful ways.&rdquo;
He stressed that the programme plays a crucial role in helping future leaders understand the responsibilities of governance while shielding them from misinformation and baseless accusations about the administration&rsquo;s work.
Engaging the Youth Through Exposure and Opportunity
The Prime Minister emphasised that initiatives like FLYSiswa and the Perdana Fellow Programme are part of the government&rsquo;s broader effort to invest in Malaysia&rsquo;s future by empowering its youth.
&ldquo;We must ensure our young people are supported not just in their academic journey, but also in their development as informed, capable citizens,&rdquo; he said.
The Temu Anwar session at MSU was attended by over 4,000 students and marked the Prime Minister&rsquo;s first formal engagement with a private university. Also present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, MSU President Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, and Vice-Chancellor Prof Puan Sri Dr Junainah Abd Hamid.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Since some areas are harder to reach, land transport offers a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

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Govt May Expand FLYSiswa To Include Land Transport For Peninsular Students, Says Anwar

Netflix has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the hotly anticipated third season of its record-breaking Korean dystopian thriller Squid Game, confirming a global premiere date of 27 June 2025. Marketed as the final chapter in the main saga, Season 3 promises even higher stakes, emotional turmoil, and a reckoning that could bring the entire deadly enterprise crashing down &mdash; or see it evolve into something even more terrifying.
A Global Streaming Phenomenon Like No Other
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0037363f23c764535b21437862951d0639cacc14aa06aa2d60a88b37bd4d6bdf" />
When Squid Game first premiered in September 2021, few could have predicted the cultural impact it would ignite. With its brutal depiction of a twisted competition where debt-ridden players fight &mdash; and die &mdash; for a life-changing cash prize, the series struck a nerve globally. Season 1 shattered records with 265.2 million views, becoming the most-watched Netflix series of all time.
The long-awaited Season 2, which dropped in December 2024, didn&rsquo;t just live up to expectations &mdash; it rewrote them. The sophomore outing pulled in 192.4 million views within its first few days, ranking second on Netflix&rsquo;s all-time list for non-English language series and reaffirming the franchise&rsquo;s dominance in the streaming era.
With both critical acclaim and a ravenous fanbase behind it, Netflix opted to film Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back, ensuring narrative continuity and production momentum. The decision has enabled the final season to arrive just six months after the previous one &mdash; a rare turnaround in the age of multi-year delays.
Gi-hun&rsquo;s Return: A Hero&rsquo;s Grief Turns to Vengeance
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/893aee1445c046680e22e753287b808d876778306372ef2a143ca91761b5681f" />
Season 3 picks up immediately where Season 2 left off, with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), also known as Player 456, choosing not to board a flight to the United States, instead turning back toward the source of his trauma. After the devastating death of his friend and ally Jung-bae (played by Lee Seo-hwan) &mdash; executed by the enigmatic Front Man for attempting to expose the organisation &mdash; Gi-hun resolves to bring down the game from the inside.
This season, Gi-hun is no longer a reluctant survivor. He returns as a man fuelled by loss, rage, and a sense of responsibility for the lives destroyed by the games. As series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk teased, &ldquo;He&rsquo;s on a path of no return now. The question is not just whether he can survive, but whether he can live with what he must do.&rdquo;
According to early previews, viewers can expect a far darker, more psychological version of Gi-hun &mdash; a transformation that reflects the moral ambiguity of dismantling an institution from within.
Unveiling the Trailer: Mystery, Symbolism, and a New Game of Chance
&nbsp;<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CH0dGVRecec" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The teaser trailer, which premiered on 6 May, opens with a haunting visual callback: masked pink-suited guards solemnly carry a black coffin, wrapped in a pink ribbon, into the arena &mdash; a familiar symbol of the game&rsquo;s brutal &lsquo;elimination&rsquo; ritual. Players gather around in fearful silence, only to discover Gi-hun inside, unconscious.
As he awakens, the camera cuts to a towering gumball machine dispensing red and blue spheres &mdash; possibly signalling a new set of rules, alliances, or fates. One orb lands ominously at Gi-hun&rsquo;s feet. Just before the screen fades to black, the cry of a baby echoes, fuelling speculation among fans that a pregnant player may give birth mid-game &mdash; a chilling metaphor for innocence trapped in a world of cruelty.
The tone is immediately more visceral and urgent than previous seasons. While Squid Game has always leaned on childhood nostalgia as a thematic tool, the trailer suggests that innocence, birth, and moral choices will play a central role in this final season.
Who&rsquo;s Returning for Season 3?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c797f1ebec023be624009868e931c970638d97e58ad40fb69c7182c70ad1312b" />
Several familiar faces are set to reprise their roles, continuing storylines that have captured fans worldwide:
<ul>
<li>Lee Byung-hun as the cold, calculating Front Man, whose own motivations and backstory have only begun to unravel.</li>
<li>Wi Ha-jun returns as detective Hwang Jun-ho, who miraculously survived his apparent death and is now closer than ever to exposing the game&rsquo;s organisers.</li>
<li>Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333), the unpredictable recruit with a dark intellect.</li>
<li>Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho (Player 388), a man haunted by his past and increasingly unstable.</li>
<li>Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, and Jo Yu-ri return in their respective player roles.</li>
<li>Park Gyu-young is back as No-eul, the pink-suited guard whose conflicted morality hints at the possibility of rebellion within the ranks.</li>
</ul>
This diverse ensemble cast brings together new and old blood, promising complex alliances, betrayals, and unlikely friendships under the game&rsquo;s unforgiving pressure.
&nbsp;
Creator&rsquo;s Vision: Hwang Dong-hyuk&rsquo;s Story Comes Full Circle
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/18afd0db90d01d7b6f38dc90ef0a82ec6adddb3ae90ddc7c40a0ac45f87f1b1f" />
Series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who won an Emmy for Season 1 and returned to direct all six episodes of the final season, described Season 3 as a &ldquo;mirror and magnifier&rdquo; of the real world&rsquo;s growing inequality. He has previously stated that while Season 1 represented individual desperation, and Season 2 focused on resistance, Season 3 is about systemic collapse &mdash; or the failure thereof.
&ldquo;There is no escape,&rdquo; Hwang recently said in a press event. &ldquo;Even when you think you&rsquo;ve broken the game, the game changes shape and finds a way to survive. That&rsquo;s what Gi-hun is up against.&rdquo;
Spin-Offs, Games, and a Cinematic Universe in the Making
Although Season 3 is being positioned as the end of the main story, Netflix is not letting go of the Squid Game franchise anytime soon. A mobile title, Squid Game: Unleashed, was released in 2024 and remains one of the top-downloaded strategy games on both Android and iOS platforms. Netflix has also confirmed it is developing a spin-off, rumoured to be helmed by Mindhunter director David Fincher, though details remain under wraps.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f7ac65c1b4bc5e2d9c5f8cd6e9e308a32743f03c710259e1ac334f53269165c0" />
A second season of the real-life competition series Squid Game: The Challenge is also in production, blending reality TV with game show mechanics to capitalise on the original series&rsquo; popularity.
With Stranger Things also concluding later in 2025, Netflix&rsquo;s shift toward Korean-led franchises underscores its global strategy &mdash; one that increasingly depends on high-concept, high-stakes storytelling beyond the English-speaking world.
The Endgame Begins
As the teaser draws to a close, Gi-hun stands in a sea of black coffins, the pink ribbons fluttering like taunts. His face is stoic. He reaches down, picks up the red ball from the gumball machine, and stares at it. The screen cuts to black. A single sentence appears: &ldquo;One last game.&rdquo;
With mounting tension, philosophical depth, and visual spectacle promised in every frame, Squid Game Season 3 is not merely the conclusion of a storyline &mdash; it&rsquo;s the climax of a cultural event that has defined a generation of streaming television.
Prepare to play. 27 June 2025. Only on Netflix.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Mark your calendars – the final game begins on 27 June.

Malaysia Opens Their Doors To International Grads Enjoy One-Year Study, Travel, And Work Adventure!

A golden opportunity is given for international grads who study in Malaysia.

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